November 2, 2026
St. John’s University announced today that its new four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has earned accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This milestone affirms the program’s commitment to academic excellence and its mission to prepare future health-care leaders to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities.
The accreditation recognizes that St. John’s nursing program aligns with rigorous national standards for academic quality, student outcomes, faculty qualifications, and continuous improvement. CCNE accreditation is a respected benchmark that assures students, employers, and health-care partners that graduates are prepared to enter the profession with the knowledge, clinical skills, and ethical foundation necessary for success.
“The granting of CCNE accreditation is a significant validation of the program’s academic excellence and continuous commitment to assessment, innovation, and student success,” said Simon G. Møller, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “It reflects the strength of our curriculum; the scholarly and professional expertise of our faculty; and our focus on developing nurses who are prepared to lead, serve, and advance health care in an increasingly complex world.”
The nursing program at St. John’s combines classroom instruction, simulation-based learning, and clinical experiences that prepare students to address today’s most pressing health-care challenges. “As the demand for qualified nurses continues to grow nationwide, this accreditation reinforces our ability to attract and educate the next generation of nursing professionals,” said Anne Y. F. Lin ’84CPHS, ’86Pharm.D., FNAP, Chin Ling and Sallie Wang Endowed Dean at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. “CCNE accreditation validates the strength of our nursing curriculum and our commitment to educating compassionate, highly skilled health-care professionals who are already making a difference in their communities and beyond.”
“We are proud to offer students a nationally recognized program grounded in St. John’s Catholic and Vincentian mission of service, excellence, and care for others,” Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s University, declared. “Our nursing program exemplifies the University’s commitment to preparing students not only with the clinical knowledge and professional competencies demanded by today’s health-care environment, but also with the ethical judgment, compassion, and spirit of service that are hallmarks of our Vincentian mission. This achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty, administrators, and staff, and strengthens St. John’s role in addressing the growing need for highly qualified health-care professionals.”
CCNE accreditation is the latest milestone in the exciting journey of the University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In spring 2021, the return of the nursing program was announced. Then, the University welcomed the first students in fall 2022.
The state-of-the-art St. Vincent Health Sciences Center was constructed at the Queens, NY, campus and now supports and houses the University’s health sciences programs. The opening of the $106-million facility in fall 2024 was another milestone in St. John’s commitment to fostering service, innovation, and academic excellence. In spring 2026, the first class earned their degrees and soon entered the workforce.
CCNE accreditation enhances opportunities for graduates pursuing advanced education, professional certification, and employment in health-care organizations that value graduates of accredited programs. The proud achievement reflects years of planning, assessment, and collaboration across the University and further strengthens St. John’s expanding portfolio of health sciences and professional education programs.